Hi, what was your symptoms before you were diagnosed with lymphoma? My first symptoms were I noticed a knot on my...

Understanding Your Lymphoma Symptoms

Thank you for sharing what you've experienced. I want to help you understand these symptoms in the context of lymphoma. Let me address what you've described and connect it to what medical guidelines tell us about lymphoma presentation.

Your Symptoms and What They May Indicate

You've described several important findings:

• Swollen lymph node (knot on right side of neck)
• Severe itching (pruritus)
• Chills (rather than night sweats)
• Feet swelling (edema)

According to NCCN Guidelines for Patients, lymphoma can present with various symptoms. Let me explain what's typical:

Swollen Lymph Nodes

The knot you felt on your neck is likely a swollen lymph node. According to the NCCN Guidelines for Hodgkin Lymphoma, "Lymph nodes can't usually be seen or felt. The highest numbers of lymph nodes are found in the neck, groin, and armpits." When lymphoma develops, these nodes enlarge because cancer cells are growing within them. This is often one of the first signs patients notice.

B Symptoms vs. Other Symptoms

The NCCN Guidelines describe specific symptoms called "B symptoms" that are important for doctors to know about:

• Unexplained fevers (above 100.4°F)
• Drenching night sweats
• Significant weight loss without trying

Important note: You mentioned chills rather than night sweats—this is still significant and worth documenting for your care team, even though it's different from the classic "B symptom" pattern.

Severe Itching (Pruritus)

Severe itching is a recognized symptom in lymphoma that isn't always highlighted in standard discussions. This can occur with various lymphoma types and may be one of the earlier warning signs patients experience.

Feet Swelling (Edema)

Swelling in your feet can occur with lymphoma for a few reasons:

• Lymphatic obstruction: If lymph nodes in your abdomen or pelvis are enlarged, they can block lymph fluid from draining properly from your legs and feet
• Liver involvement: Lymphoma affecting the liver can impact fluid balance
• Kidney function: Rarely, lymphoma can affect kidney function

According to NCCN Guidelines for Marginal Zone Lymphomas, "Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling. It may be caused when part of the lymph system is damaged or blocked...Swelling usually develops slowly over time."

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What Happens Next: Questions for Your Care Team

Since you're experiencing these symptoms, here are specific questions to ask your oncology team:

1. "Have all my symptoms been documented in my [ID removed] including the itching and chills? Are these being considered in my diagnosis?"

2. "What imaging or testing have been done to evaluate the swelling in my feet? Could this be related to lymph node involvement?"

3. "What type of lymphoma have I been diagnosed with, and what does that mean for my specific symptom pattern?"

4. "Are there other symptoms I should be watching for that would require immediate attention?"

5. "How will we monitor whether my symptoms improve with treatment, and what should improvement look like?"

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Important Context About Symptom Timing

You mentioned noticing the neck node first, then other symptoms developing over weeks. This timeline is actually quite typical. According to NCCN Guidelines, lymphoma symptoms can develop gradually, and patients often notice one sign (like a swollen node) before other symptoms appear.

The fact that you're paying close attention to your body and noticing these changes is valuable information for your care team. NCCN Guidelines emphasize: "It is important you understand what these tests mean. Ask questions about your test results."

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What You Should Know About Your Diagnosis

Your care team should have:

• ✅ Confirmed the type of lymphoma (Hodgkin vs. non-Hodgkin, and the specific subtype)
• ✅ Documented all your symptoms
• ✅ Done imaging (CT, PET scan) to see the full extent of disease
• ✅ Explained your stage and what that means
• ✅ Discussed treatment options specific to YOUR situation

If you haven't received clear explanations on any of these, that's absolutely worth asking about at your next appointment.

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A Note About Your Specific Situation

While I can explain what lymphoma symptoms generally look like based on NCCN Guidelines, your specific symptom combination and what it means for YOUR treatment plan requires your oncologist's evaluation. They have:

• Your complete pathology report
• Your imaging results
• Your blood work
• Your medical history
• The ability to examine you physically

This information together tells the complete story that guides your personalized treatment.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.